UAB IT is currently blocking certain peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing protocols. P2P protocols are cited in copyright infringement cases brought against students and employees at a number of educational institutions by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and other media companies.

Recent trends across the country also show an increasing number of Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaints for distributing copyrighted works over peer-to-peer protocols. Students and Employees should be aware that copyright infringement is not only against UAB policy, but also federal law.

UAB IT uses an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) device to monitor network activity for malicious or unwanted behavior. The IPS also allows for real time blocking of selective P2P protocols which will reduce our risk of receiving DMCA complaints and promote compliance with the UAB Acceptable Use Policy regarding copyright violations.

UAB IT does not block protocols currently being used for legitimate purposes. Streaming content such as YouTube should not be affected by the change. There are several options available to users who wish to participate in legal downloading of media, such as Rhapsody, Spotify, ITunes music store and Amazon mp3.

Users encountering connectivity issues as a result of these changes may contact AskIT for assistance at 205-996-5555.

Network resources are the fundamental infrastructure connecting you to a world of information. High speed networks carry data rapidly across campus and connect UAB to institutions across a leading-edge national infrastructure. Dedicated network resources support transparent access to computational and collaboration resources whether they are on campus or across the nation.